Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 2 Commercial Traffic Increases Due to Del Rio Bridge Closure
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2021
The City of Eagle Pass, Texas International Bridge System reports an increase in commercial truck traffic during the week of September 19-25, 2021 as a result of the closure of the City of Del Rio International Bridge by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to the humanitarian crisis posed by over 15,000 Haitian migrants who crossed into the U.S. seeking asylum and establishing camp underneath the Del Rio International Bridge.
Del Rincon noted that the Eagle Pass Port of Entry has prepared for the increased traffic and is operating smoothly as international trade between Mexico and the United States has not been interrupted at Eagle Pass. Over 19 Billion annually in international commerce crosses through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
Eagle Pass Port of Entry CBP Director Paul Del Rincon stated that the Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 2 regularly sees an average of 700 commercial trucks daily crossing through it, but the traffic has temporarily increased since the Del Rio Bridge was closed to approximately 800-1,000 trucks per day.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. stated the City Bridge System has increased its personnel to handle the temporary increased commercial traffic crossing through Eagle Pass Bridge No. 2, also known as Camino Real International Bridge. Salinas lamented the migrant crisis at Del Rio, but welcomed the temporary commercial traffic increase seen at the Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 2.
Eagle Pass International Bridge System Director Homero Balderas stated Eagle Pass supports the City of Del Rio and is honored to accommodate its commercial traffic through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. Balderas noted that this situation is only temporary until CBP reopens the Del Rio International Bridge upon resolution of the migrant humanitarian crisis.
Del Rincon also noted the Eagle Pass Port of Entry has a pilot program allowing commercial traffic to cross on Sundays which has been favorably accepted by commercial freight lines.
Although the increased commercial traffic experienced by the Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 2 is temporary, local officials are glad to assist international trade between Mexico and the United States flow smoothly and efficiently.
